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Freelance Embedded Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inference

Filmmaker / Storyteller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • PTO

About the Role As our in-house filmmaker, you'll be embedded with our engineering team, capturing ... After establishing our content foundation, recruit and manage freelancers, editors, and production ...

TubeScience

Creator Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90/hr

You're not just strategizing, you're embedded in the creative process: making content, giving notes ... freelance creators You're based in Los Angeles - this role requires regular in-person presence at ...

TubeScience

Creator Lead

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90/hr

You're not just strategizing, you're embedded in the creative process: making content, giving notes ... freelance creators You're based in Los Angeles - this role requires regular in-person presence at ...

Cacheflow

Senior Software Engineer, Operator Tooling

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full‑time careers and beyond. This unique ... This team functions like an embedded/consulting engineering group: you'll partner directly with ...

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$81K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We help brands to become utterly distinctive and deeply embedded in culture. We define strategies ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

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All JobsEmbedded JobsFreelance Embedded JobsFreelance Embedded Jobs in California

Freelance Embedded information

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$69.1K

$151.4K

$171.7K

How much do freelance embedded jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance embedded in California is $151,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance embedded engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Embedded Engineer, you need strong proficiency in embedded systems design, programming (C/C++), and hardware interfacing, typically supported by an engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools such as microcontroller development kits, oscilloscopes, debuggers, and version control systems like Git is essential, along with knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS). Excellent problem-solving, self-motivation, and clear client communication set top freelancers apart in this field. These competencies ensure you can deliver reliable, innovative solutions independently and maintain successful client relationships.

What are some common challenges freelance embedded engineers face when working with clients remotely?

Freelance embedded engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning with clients on hardware specifications, ensuring clear communication about project requirements, and managing access to proprietary tools or hardware for testing. Since much of the work is highly technical and hardware-dependent, remote collaboration requires proactive problem-solving and the use of simulation tools or remote debugging techniques. Building strong relationships with clients and staying organized with documentation are essential to overcoming these hurdles and delivering successful projects.

What is a freelance embedded engineer?

Freelance Embedded Engineers are professionals who work independently on projects involving embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions within larger devices. They often collaborate with clients to design, develop, test, and maintain hardware and software solutions for products such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, medical devices, and industrial machines. Working as freelancers, they typically take on contract-based work, allowing for flexibility in project selection and scheduling. Their expertise covers various programming languages, microcontroller platforms, and real-time operating systems.

What is the difference between Freelance Embedded vs Freelance Firmware Developer?

AspectFreelance EmbeddedFreelance Firmware Developer
CredentialsKnowledge of embedded systems, electronics, programming languages (C, C++)Similar credentials, often with additional focus on low-level programming and hardware integration
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded systems for various devicesWriting and testing firmware for microcontrollers and hardware platforms
Industry UsageElectronics, IoT, automotive, consumer devicesConsumer electronics, industrial equipment, IoT devices
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for embedded system projectsFocused on firmware-specific tasks within embedded projects

Freelance Embedded professionals typically work on designing and developing embedded systems, while Freelance Firmware Developers focus on writing and testing firmware for microcontrollers. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but their focus areas differ slightly, with embedded roles emphasizing hardware integration and firmware roles emphasizing low-level programming.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded jobs in California?

The most popular types of Embedded jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Embedded jobs in California?

For Freelance Embedded jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Embedded jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Embedded jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Embedded jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Embedded job openings:

Freelance Embedded jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Embedded job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,375 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer - Digital Signal Processing

Abbott

Alameda, CA

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 539 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Opportunity:

The Sr. Embedded Software Engineer will focus on implementation and development of signal processing algorithms for our fast-growing FreeStyle Libre product series. This is an exciting time to join Abbott Diabetes Care and change the future of diabetes.

    WHAT YOU'LL DO:

    • Lead the design and development of software across one or more domains: mobile, web, desktop, and embedded under a disciplined product development process that meets FDA requirements

    • Work on software design, coding, and validating software, supporting verification and validation testing, and ensuring that all product development conforms to design specifications and coding standards for medical devices

    • Implement data processing algorithms efficiently in a programming language (C, C++, etc.) Define and implement data management and data flow in an embedded environment. Develop productive internal/external working relationships

    Required Qualifications:

    • Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) and 7+ years of Master's degree with 5+ years of experience in software development (combination of programming-heavy coursework, school projects, freelance work and professional experience)

    • Strong knowledge of embedded software system design, experience in algorithm development implementation and data processing in embedded and other computing platforms. C, C++, structured software development and/or Object Modeling Design, digital data processing, debugger and ICE.

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    • Strong familiarity with current development tools (IDEs, debuggers, unit test frameworks)

    • Strong math aptitude

    PreferredQualifications:

    • Experience with software development life cycle processes is a plus

    • Experience with long-term maintenance of a software module or library is a plus

    • Experience testing software is a plus

    • Knowledge of design controls and regulations for medical device development is a plus

    • Knowledge of the principles of quality software engineering as described by software lifecycle development processes that are consistent with ISO, IEEE, or other FDA recognized standards is a plus

    The base pay for this position is

    $100,000.00 - $200,000.00

    In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

    JOB FAMILY:Product DevelopmentDIVISION:ADC Diabetes CareLOCATION:United States > Alameda : 1360-1380 South Loop RoadADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 10 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Not ApplicableSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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